Harper Cassidy is a sports journalist, but when she is requested to write a feature of the tightend of the Stormhawks, Jake Sullivan, and her high school crush, she is not pleased.

But maybe a revenge story is just what she needs to get over the humiliation in high school.

I loved this narrative, close-proximity, enemies-to-lovers, eat your heart out!

Harper was full of determination from start to finish, a strong female main character I just couldn't get enough of.

North gives us alternating chapters between the two main characters, which really makes this a quick read.

I can't wait for more from this series, and more from this author.

Bookouture I could scream about how perfect your books are! This one had me swooning and kicking my feet! I definitely got TK vibes by first glancing at the cover but this story is its own masterpiece.

I enjoyed reading about NFL bad boy Jake Sullivan
and his quest to gain his reputation back without revealing the reason why he has been like he’s been. My interest was definitely peaked!

Enter Harper who is tasked with the job except she knows Jake from another time in his life.

I loved their chemistry and the idyllic ranch setting. I enjoyed their sparring and sparks and I enjoyed every interaction and miniature in this story!

I highly rechecking this one out! You don’t be disappointed and I look forward to more from this author in the future.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to receive an ARC. This book was so refreshing and fun! While small towns and football tend to go hand in hand, I feel it’s not something we usually see in the book world But North did a fantastic job blending sports romance with small town cowboy romance to give this book a refreshing twist. This debut by Bella North nailed it!

The enemies to lovers was done very well and the chemistry could be felt from the very first page. If you enjoy satisfying slow burns, good pacing, well flushed out and relatable characters, and want a mix of small town and sports, I definitely recommend giving this book a try.

Jake has two other brothers who also play football and I really hope they also get their own stories too. This definitely won’t be my last Bella North read!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC Review

Score to Settle by Bella North

Score to Settle is everything I want in a romance — heartfelt, funny, slow burn, and so full of chemistry and emotion. It blends sports romance with cowboy charm in such a fresh, engaging way, and for a debut? Bella North absolutely nailed it.

The story follows Jake Sullivan, an NFL player with a bit of a playboy reputation, and Harper, a sports journalist who doesn’t actually know anything about football. She’s been tasked with writing the article that will change the public’s perception of him — except they’ve met before, and she already has a few opinions of her own. From there, it’s the perfect enemies-to-lovers setup with only one bed, small-town ranch vibes, and so much emotional depth.

Jake was a standout MMC — the kind of character who surprises you in the best way. He was like Buck in human form: misunderstood, fiercely loyal, and deeply soft underneath all the swagger. His relationship with his brothers was a highlight for me — subtle but full of warmth. Harper was sharp, confident, and had great voice. The banter between them? Perfect.

I don’t usually read sports romance for the sport itself (👀), but Bella made football feel interesting and accessible, while still keeping the focus on character and connection. Oakwood Ranch felt so real, and the side characters — especially Mama Sullivan, who I can only describe as the Kris Jenner of the NFL — added so much heart and humour.

By chapter 37 onwards I was emotionally wrecked — in the best way. The pacing, tension, and character growth kept me turning pages and I flew through this in two days.

This is the kind of debut that feels like the start of something big. If you love sports romance with heart, slow-burn tension, and small-town family dynamics, Score to Settle should absolutely be on your TBR.

Huge thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Bella North for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I already can’t wait for whatever she writes next!

Harper and Jake are one of the cutest sports romance couples! Love the whole tropes of enemies to lovers and forced proximity, not to mention grumpy x sunshine too. Really enjoyed the sports side of it and I definitely learned something about American football too!

Would recommend for fans of sports romances, or who love any of the tropes mentioned above. That, and people who just love a cute romance.

Absolutely loved this book! I flew through it, I absolutely loved the 'enemies' to lovers style, hilarious that Harper was convinced Jake wasn't aware of her but he so was!

The second chance opportunity was brilliant, it wasn't hostile, it wasn't damaging. They broke down each others walls naturally and their relationship grew into something beautiful.

The third act breakup was painful, but they came back together and the ending was lovely - although it felt abrupt, Jake wins his game, the end, I wanted an epilogue, I wanted a sign that they stayed together :D

Harper Cassidy no puede permitirse otro fracaso. Después de perder su empleo soñado en Nueva York, su última oportunidad como periodista es un reportaje en profundidad sobre Jake Sullivan, la estrella indomable del equipo de fútbol americano Denver Stormhawks. Su misión: convivir con él durante cinco semanas, descubrir quién es realmente más allá de su fama de mujeriego y escribir un perfil que pueda salvar o destruir su carrera.

Jake, por su parte, no está interesado en redimirse ante la prensa, y mucho menos en abrirse con una periodista que parece odiarlo desde el primer segundo. Lo que él no sabe es que Harper no es una desconocida... sino la chica cuyo corazón rompió hace años, y ella está más que lista para ajustar cuentas.

Pero cuando el pasado se mezcla con el presente y la tensión entre ellos se vuelve imposible de ignorar, Harper tendrá que decidir si está dispuesta a sacrificar su carrera por una historia... o por un hombre que podría volver a romperle el corazón.


---


Quien debió hacer el gran gesto era Jake, no ella. Me decepcionó que no hiciera nada más que llamarla para pedirle perdón. Si bien fue Harper quien se equivocó primero y pidió disculpas, después fue él quien cometió el error, así que era él quien debía esforzarse en enmendarlo.




Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

The chemistry between the main characters crackles from the very first page. Their shared past gives the story depth, and their witty banter adds just the right amount of spice. North masterfully balances humor, heat, and heart, crafting a romance that feels both swoon-worthy and authentic.
Set against the backdrop of a small town filled with quirky side characters and second chances, this story is impossible to put down. Whether you're in it for the slow-burn tension, emotional payoff, or just love a good rivals-to-lovers trope, this book delivers.

This book was so sweet and fun! Jake and Harper were so fun to read as they grew and developed as a couple and individually. Second chance romances are my fave and this one was a real treat!

The pacing for this book was what stood out to me the most. Bella was incredible at writing plot twists and turns. There were several moments when I was mentally screaming at the characters to get their acts together because they were perfect together! These two characters had a lot of shared history, and Bella did a wonderful job sharing that piece by piece in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I absolutely love reading sports romances and this one did not disappoint. The interactions between Harper and Jake felt so real, there was lots of growth while they get to know each other better. Harper knows nothing about football and is chosen to write a feature about Jake, who is a football player. It’s enemies to lovers, forced proximity and a workplace romance. All the good things, it was incredible!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-arc!

To be honest, sports romances have never really been my thing. I always assumed they were full of clichés…predictable banter, a few games thrown in, and a romance that felt a little “meh.” But Score to Settle by Bella North completely changed my mind. I might just start picking up more books from this genre!
This one had all the classic romance tropes I love: enemies to lovers, a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, workplace tension, forced proximity, and a beautifully crafted found family vibe. And the best part? You get to watch Jake fall harder and harder for Harper with every chapter,it’s addictive.
Harper is a sports journalist on probation who’s assigned to write a feature on her childhood crush, Jake Sullivan. To complete the assignment, she’s asked to stay with his family at their Oakwood Ranch. What starts as awkward tension soon builds into banter, chemistry, and eventually, a slow burn romance that hits all the right notes.
Also, fair warning, the second half of the book gets a little spicy (I’d give it a 3.9 out of 5 on the heat scale), so get ready for things to heat up! And the ending? Pure rom com gold,maybe even better than a movie.

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the premise of them going to the same high school but he didn't notice her but she noticed him. I enjoyed watching not just Jakes but Harper's walls come down. The side characters were great. I would love to see more of Dylan and Chase. This book had one of my favorite tropes the one bed trope. I eat that up every single time. The banter and spice between the character were off the charts. Will definitely read more from this author.

Thank you to Bella North, Bookouture and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All information below is based off my own opinion of the book! I also like to keep my reviews short and simple as someone who looks at the short reviews before reading books. 💕⭐️
Book rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Favorite characters: Jake, buck
Review: I loved every minute of this book! I found myself laughing out loud. I love a good sports romance and mix it with enemies to lovers and I’m hooked! I found myself not wanting to stop reading this book! I’m hoping there will be more books about the other brothers and the friend Mia!

Pro footballer player who comes from a ranch? This sounded right up my street!
Jake Sullivan needs to improve his image so sports journalist Harper Cassidy comes to stay on his family ranch for 5 weeks to shadow him and write a piece about the real Jake….but these 2 have history and Harper sees this as her opportunity to make Jake pay for past hurt.

This is a solid debut from Bella North. I found the first half of the book a little slow at times but once it hit its stride it really improved and hooked me in. Jake and Harper did give me whiplash a few times, and after initially not being a huge fan of Harper she definitely grew on me. I loved seeing the more emotional moments between them and how their relationship evolved. I really hope we see more of them in a future book as this was set over a 5 week period and I’d like to see them again a few years down the line. Jake has 2 brothers who also play pro football so hopefully they’ll get their own books too!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this ARC!

Fast, easy, and totally captivating. I flew through this! Loved the setup—NFL superstar with a PR mess + the journalist he unknowingly broke in high school, stuck together at his family ranch. Great enemies-to-lovers slow burn with fun banter, found-family warmth, and just enough steam. Excellent mix of sports + cowboy romance vibes and a strong series start (Oakwood Ranch #1, but works as a standalone). Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

„Jake Sullivan has broken a lot of hearts over the years. But I’m pretty sure mine was the first.”

It was good. I had a great time reading this piece.

Jake - football player. Man seen as Casanova by the public, but really sweet and kind man inside. He was so much more than people thought about him.

Cassidy - journalist. I’m torn, actually. She’s a great woman, very intelligent and devoted to her job. But on the other hand she’s so insecure and still in the past it hurts. I understand her reluctance to Jake, with all that happened in High school but come on - that was decade ago.

Plot line is good. The first half of the book was some kind of boring and too long, but after a certain moment author hit the spot and I couldn’t take book away. It is good for a debut, tho.

And spoiler. We hate Scott. We really do. Bastard.

Anyway. Romantic relationship was something else. I felt for their hesitancy, for them being careful and surrounded by their own walls. Nothing happened too fast, everything has time to shine. I loved it. But. Jake near the end of the book? Oh man, get your shot together and start thinking like grownup you are.

A light, funny and pleasant read for one day - if you are looking for such a book, I have found it for you.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first sat down to read this book, but book ended up being better than I expected. I like that the book switches POV’s between Jake and Harper, although sometimes it took me a minute to notice the POV change. Jake and Harper both have real insecurities, Jake just hides his better. Harper is someone who I really related to as someone who was a shy, somewhat nerdy kid in high school who even now only has a handful of close friends. I am not sure if I saw much actual character growth in this book, Jake is the same as he always is, just not hiding behind his walls to those he cares about, and Harper was still the same shy girl, but with a little bit more self confidence. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others who enjoy steamy football romances.

This is a fun one! I really loved the setting of Oakwood Ranch where Jake and his family live. The author does a great job describing this beautiful home in Colorado. Jake plays for the NFL and Harper is a journalist. They both need help to keep their careers moving forward. Jake’s image needs to be cleaned up and Harper wants a promotion to secure her job at a magazine. The angst feels real because they have known of each other since high school and it didn’t end well. They both experienced grief at a young age and it shaped how they handle basically everything.

As they get to know each other over 5 weeks, they realize maybe they have more in common than they thought. The physical attraction is immediate but the mental attraction takes time. Jake needs someone to see him beyond his football/bad boy reputation. Harper needs to know that someone actually cares about her and how she feels.

Jake & Harper are relatable characters so watching them fall in love was really sweet. I loved the ranch setting + sports romance aspect of the book. I hope the author continues and makes this a series 💖

Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture, and Bella North for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

(Link to goodreads review posted below. Review will be posted to Amazon & B&N on publication day)

One of my favorite Sports Romance stories I've read this year, I really loved the characters!

This storyline pulled me right in and even after finishing it, i'm still thinking about it. The author took some of my favorite genres and tropes and seamlessly mashed them together. I can't wait to head back into this world and find out whose story will be next.

The author did a great job showcasing character growth for the Harper (FMC) and Jake (MMC) , I loved watching their relationship develop and grow. They both had to overcome so much in their youth, I was rooting for them to get a HEA.

The storyline as a whole was just so well-rounded, I was just as invested in the side characters stories as I was the main characters.

I'll definitely be recommending it and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

🏈Pro Football Player | 📝Journalist
😐Grumpy | Grudgy Sunshine
🤠Ranch Setting
💞Strong Friendship | Found Family
🖤Enemies To Lovers♥️
💕Forced Proximity
🛏️One Bed
🏘️Workplace Romance
🌶️On Page Spice

Thank you Bella North, Net Galley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

It took me a little while to really get into Score to Settle, but once the story found its rhythm, I couldn’t put it down. The enemies-to-lovers vibe between Jake and Harper wasn’t just your typical playful teasing—it was genuinely tense and a bit raw, which made their slow-building chemistry feel so much more authentic. They’re not pretending to like each other, and the personal stakes are high enough that they’re forced to face their issues head-on.

What really impressed me was how well the characters were crafted. Their actions and decisions felt realistic and layered, making me curious about their deeper motivations. Instead of leaving me confused or frustrated by their misunderstandings, the story gradually revealed the reasons behind their behavior, which made the conflicts feel natural and earned.

The book struck a nice balance of passion, tension, and emotional layers. The football scenes were lively and immersive, and the backdrop of media and journalism gave the story a fresh, grounded touch. I also appreciated how the side characters and their histories were given proper attention—it all felt intentional and well put together.

Although I didn’t completely fall head over heels for Jake and Harper, their relationship kept me engaged throughout. The pacing was steady, and the ending surprised me with a twist I didn’t see coming—though I did wish for a bit more emotional closure in the final chapters.

Overall, Score to Settle was a really solid, enjoyable read. If you like enemies-to-lovers stories with real tension, meaningful stakes, and a slow-burn romance, this one’s definitely worth checking out.